Reid: Boehner’s at the Negotiating Table

Senate leader says Speaker “has returned to the conversation,” blasts criticism from those outside of discussions.

It is always dangerous to presume motives. And it is overly cynical to say politicians always put political concerns above the national interest. And/but ask yourself, which of these officeholders are so eager for a budget deal (actually a SERIES of budget deals) that they are willing to risk alienating their base: Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Barack Obama, Tom Coburn, Dick Durbin, Chuck Schumer and Eric Cantor. That's the right question, and the right standard.